WATERBURY, Conn.—Shen Yun Performing Arts gave theatergoers in Connecticut true insight into authentic Chinese culture, showing at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on Thursday.
Charles Loya, who works in economic development as a procurement specialist for the government, said he “very much” enjoyed Shen Yun, describing it as “very colorful” with “beautiful music and dance themes.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun uses dance, music, costumes, and props to tell Chinese legends and stories, relating them with the spirituality of China’s traditional culture, the company’s website states.
“I enjoyed it a lot, I liked how they went through the centuries, it’s great exposure, it is,” he said of the different dance pieces that tell stories from China.
Shen Yun aims to revive traditional Chinese culture that has been mostly lost under decades of communist rule, the company says. Even though Shen Yun focuses on Chinese culture, it cannot be performed in China.
“I don’t understand” why the performance cannot be shown in China, Mr. Loya said. “You would think they'd embrace that, this entertainment, this cultural expression.”
Several pieces in Shen Yun touch on aspects of modern-day China, namely the ruling Communist Party’s human rights abuses and suppression of traditional culture.
Shahnaz Solati, who works in human services, attended the performance with Mr. Loya.
“That is sad to see, that people are not able to express themselves the way they are able do it here, back home,” Ms. Solati said.
Digital Backdrop Brings Scenes to Life
Shen Yun’s digital backdrop provides visual scenery with vibrant color, depicting the heavens, mountaintops, grassy plains, and other areas. The dancers are able to interact with the backdrop and give the impression that they are immersing into it.
“It was amazing to see all those different regions of China, the way they are dressed up, the way they are dancing, it was beautiful,” Ms. Solati said.
She added that the backdrop “showed the seasons: Harvest time, spring, winter—it was just nice.”
Reporting by Gary Du and Jack Phillips.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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